Chapter 28

Alice Carter blinked her long lashes several times before recognition dawned. After a brief pause, she pressed her lips together and murmured, "Master Dominic."

The design director sprang into action as if royalty had entered the room. Rising hastily, he approached Dominic Pierce with an obsequious bow. "Master Dominic! To what do we owe this unexpected honor? Are you... conducting an inspection?"

Dominic's gaze flickered toward Alice. "What's the issue with this employee?"

The director cleared his throat. "A new hire with no qualifications or experience who's been absent multiple days. We simply can't retain such unreliable staff."

"I... I won't miss work again," Alice interjected desperately. "I'll work twice as hard, even if it means hauling bricks at the construction site—"

Dominic waved a dismissive hand. "An architectural assistant position, correct? Our corporation prides itself on second chances. Everyone deserves an opportunity to prove themselves, wouldn't you agree?" His tone was casual, yet the underlying authority undeniable.

The director's protest died on his lips. The unspoken understanding passed between them—this ragged outsider clearly had Dominic's inexplicable interest.

"Very well," the director conceded stiffly. Turning to Alice, he added sternly, "Only because Master Dominic intervened. Don't expect leniency again. Now thank him properly."

Alice dipped into a deep bow. "My gratitude, Master Dominic. Director. I'll return to my duties immediately."

As Alice retreated to her workstation, the director leaned toward Dominic. "Shall we... reassign her to a more suitable position? Perhaps something less strenuous?"

Dominic's lips twisted in amusement. The office typically swarmed with perfumed socialites vying for his attention—their simpering voices and cloying fragrances had long since lost their appeal.

But this one... this scrappy, stone-faced survivor with her threadbare clothes and quiet dignity intrigued him. Alexander Knight's offhand comment about using her to placate his aunt only added to the appeal.

The mental image alone sent a thrill through him.

"Absolutely not," Dominic declared with exaggerated severity. "No special treatment. She's nobody to me—certainly not my girlfriend or anyone worth bending rules for."

"Understood perfectly, Master Dominic!" The director scurried to relay the verdict. "Alice! Report to the construction site after lunch for hands-on training."

Alice nodded obediently. "Yes, director."

Keeping her job was victory enough—whether drafting designs or mixing mortar made little difference.

At noon, while colleagues dined at upscale bistros on $30 salads, Alice slipped into a back alley. Two mushroom sandwiches and tap water totaled $3. She chewed methodically, savoring each bite.

"Well, well. My elusive little sparrow." Dominic materialized before her, blocking the sunlight.

Alice froze mid-bite, the sandwich halfway to her mouth. "Master Dominic..."

"I saved your miserable job," he drawled, tilting his head. "Don't you think that warrants proper thanks?"

"Thank you," she murmured, lowering her gaze.

Dominic tsked. "Where's the sincerity?"

Alice met his eyes squarely. "What manner of gratitude would satisfy you, Master Dominic?"